January 25, Saturday

Msgr. Pagazzi, DD, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, arrived in Manila,  accompanied by Fr. Arogya Hrudaya Raju Pudhota, SCJ, and Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, SJ. Upon arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Fr. Eric Eusebio, SJ, LST President; Fr. Rogel Abais, SJ, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and student representatives from Loyola School of Theology (LST). The evening was spent celebrating the Holy Mass, sharing dinner with the Loyola House of Studies Jesuit community, and preparing for the activities ahead.

January 26, Sunday

The day began with the delegation, composed of Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, SJ; Fr. Eric Eusebio, SJ; Fr. Rogel Abais, SJ; Fr. Oliver Dy, SJ; James Santos, SJ; and Leo Francisco, departed for Quiapo, Manila, at 8:00 AM. They were welcomed by the Parochial Vicar, Fr. Jonathan Mojica. Msgr. Pagazzi concelebrated the Mass with Fr. Kim Joshua Bibon at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene, where he witnessed the deep devotion of Filipino Catholics. Following the Mass,  a visit to the Manila Cathedral and the Museo de Intramuros.

During the Manila Cathedral visit, the tour was led by the Vice Rector, Fr. Vicente Gabriel Bautista, where the group had the opportunity to visit the cathedral crypt that contains the remains of four former archbishops of Manila:

• Michael J. O'Doherty: The last foreign archbishop of Manila
• Gabriel M. Reyes: The first Filipino archbishop of Manila
• Cardinal Rufino J. Santos: The first Filipino cardinal
• Cardinal Jaime L. Sin: A prominent leader of the 1986 People Power Revolution

In the afternoon, the group traveled to the Seda Nuvali.

January 27, Monday

Msgr. Pagazzi presided over the Holy Mass for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Plenary Assembly. He had time to meet the Bishops and hear from them. Afterwards, the delegation proceeded to the Apostolic Nunciature formal meeting with Archbishop Charles Brown, DD, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Following this, the group visited the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA), where they were warmly received by the community led by Fr. Agustinus Supur, CMF, ICLA Director. Archbishop Pagazzi engaged in dialogue with faculty and students, emphasizing the significance of consecrated life in today’s world. A program featuring presentations from ICLA students of various nationalities was prepared. Followed by a visit to the  LST campus, meeting officials from its partner institutions:

• Center for Family Ministries (RMT-CEFAM), headed by Fr. Teodulo Gonzales, SJ, provides pastoral care, counseling, and formation programs for families, offering services such as marriage preparation, therapy, and retreats rooted in Christian values.
• Emmaus Center, led by Fr. Jordan Orbe, SJ, focuses on psychological and spiritual formation for individuals in ministry, religious life, and leadership roles, integrating psychology and spirituality to support personal growth and vocational discernment.
• Center for Ignatian Spirituality (CIS), directed by Fr. Christopher Dumadag, SJ, promotes the practice of Ignatian spirituality, particularly the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, through retreats, spiritual direction, and formation programs.
• San Jose Seminary, with Rector Fr. Norlan Julia, SJ, is a Jesuit-run diocesan seminary within Ateneo de Manila University, forming future priests with rigorous academic, spiritual, and pastoral training.
• East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI), directed by Fr. John Chong Chechon, SJ, serves as a center for theological and pastoral formation, equipping clergy, religious, and lay leaders with skills for effective ministry in diverse cultural contexts.

January 28, Tuesday

On the Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, Msgr. Pagazzi began the day, by visiting the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Upon arrival, he met with Fr. Filemon dela Cruz Jr., O.P., provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, along with officials of the Ecclesiastical Faculties. At 10:00 AM, he presided over the Holy Mass at Santísimo Rosario Parish in UST.

Returned to Loyola House of Studies for the LST Liturgical Reception at the Oratory of St. Ignatius, followed by a formal dinner at Cardoner Garden, attended by LST ecclesiastical students, faculty, bishops, and other distinguished guests. The evening concluded with a liturgical concert featuring the music of Fr. Felipe Fruto Ll. Ramirez, SJ, performed by Himig Heswita, Tinig Barangka, and Tinig San Jose.

January 29, Wednesday

As the country observed the Lunar New Year holiday, a meeting was held with presidents and deans of ecclesiastical faculties and affiliated institutions in the Philippines at Tipanan ni San Ignacio. This was followed by a meeting with the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) led by the current CEAP President, Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ.

At 3:00 PM, the Special Academic Convocation commenced at the Oratory of St. Ignatius, where Archbishop Pagazzi delivered the address. Following his address, Most Rev. Charlie M. Inzon, OMI, DD, Chair of the CBCP Commission on Catholic Education, also gave a talk. The event concluded with a Holy Eucharist, presided over by Archbishop Pagazzi,. Afterwards, the LST Alumni Homecoming Dinner was held to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of LST as an Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology through a Festival World of Cultures Program. Those who performed were the LST Vietnamese and African Students, Xavier School Dragon Dancers and the Marikina Dance Guild.

January 30, Thursday

The day’s itinerary included a pilgrimage to Antipolo, beginning with a visit to the Loyola Retreat House in Angono for the Blessing and Inauguration of the Kaagapay Monument and opening of Ad Spem Per Artem. Assisting priests were Rev. Fr. Eric Eusebio, S.J., Rev. Fr. Rogel Abais, SJ, Rev. Fr. Jose V.C. Quilongquilong, SJ, Rev. Fr. René Pio B. Javellana, S.J., Very Rev. Fr. Peter Ymari C. Balatbat. Present in the event were the artist behind the KAAGAPAY Monument Mr. Kublai Millan, Hon. Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon of the Municipality of Angono Rizal, Hon. Mayor Cesar Ynares of Binangonan, Rizal, Hon. Vice Mayor Gery Calderon, Vice Mayor of Angono, Rizal. Representing Carlos “Botong” Francisco Family is Mr. Carlos “Totong” Francisco II. Mr. Nemesio Miranda, Jr., an artist from Angono

The afternoon included a visit to the Diocesan Shrine of San Clemente de Roma in Angono and the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage where a grand welcome was made led by Most Rev. Ruperto C. Santos, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo.

January 31, Friday

Before his departure, Msgr. Pagazzi visited the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ), Fr. Hruday’s congregation, where he spent time bonding with his brothers. They celebrated the Holy Eucharist together.